Sucralfate for Dogs: Treatment and Prevention for Stomach Ulcers

Dogs can get open sores called ulcers in their gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Causes of ulcers include certain medications, chronic health conditions, infectious diseases, and more. Ulcers can be quite painful.

Sucralfate is a prescription medication that can help heal ulcers in dogs. Learn more about sucralfate for dogs and how it’s used to treat and prevent GI ulcers.

Sucralfate for dogs at a glance

What is sucralfate for dogs, and how does it work?

Sucralfate is a medication that protects the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestines from stomach acid and the development of ulcers. 

Sucralfate is FDA approved for treating ulcers of the small intestine in humans. But it’s not FDA approved for dogs. It’s used off-label in veterinary medicine. 

Sucralfate starts to work when it reaches a dog’s stomach. The medication forms a paste with stomach acid. This paste binds to proteins at the site of ulcers. By binding to ulcerated sites, the paste forms a barrier and protects existing ulcers from further damage by stomach acids.

Sucralfate can also help repair areas in the digestive system that have been damaged by stomach acids.

What is sucralfate used for in dogs?

Sucralfate is mostly used to treat and prevent ulcers and inflammation in the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestines (duodenum) in dogs. Sometimes, it’s prescribed for a dog with mouth ulcers, too.

A vet may prescribe sucralfate to a dog that’s been diagnosed with ulcers or at risk of developing ulcers. For example, some veterinarians may prescribe the medication to a dog with frequent vomiting, a symptom of ulcers in dogs. Stomach acid within the esophagus can also cause the esophagus to become inflamed (esophagitis). So sucralfate may be prescribed to dogs to protect the esophagus.

Sucralfate may also be prescribed if a dog has recently eaten something that can cause an ulcer, like ibuprofen.

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However, proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole seem to work better than sucralfate for treating dogs with GI ulcers.

What is the dosage of sucralfate for dogs, and how is it given?

The sucralfate dosage depends on a dog’s weight. It can range from 250 mg to 1,000 mg by mouth every 6 to 12 hours.

You’ll need to dissolve sucralfate tablets in water to make a slurry. Once it’s dissolved, you should give it to a dog on an empty stomach.

Sucralfate also comes in a liquid. But veterinarians more commonly prescribe the tablets. 

What are the common side effects of sucralfate in dogs?

Sucralfate doesn’t usually cause side effects. Constipation is the only commonly reported side effect of sucralfate in dogs.

What are the most serious risks of sucralfate for dogs?

Use sucralfate with caution in dogs that have ingested something toxic. It can cause constipation, which can slow movement through the GI tract and cause the dog to absorb more of the toxin. However, a veterinarian may still recommend sucralfate if a dog ingests a toxin that can cause ulcers (like ibuprofen).

Sucralfate can also limit the absorption of other medications if they are given at the same time as sucralfate.

Does sucralfate interact with any other dog medications?

Sucralfate may reduce the absorption of other oral medications. So give sucralfate and the following medications at least 2 hours apart:

• Cancer medications, like alendronate

• Antacids

• Ciprofloxacin and other fluoroquinolone antibiotics (except for enrofloxacin)

• Heart medications, including digoxin and furosemide

• Ketoconazole (an antifungal)

• Levothyroxine (a thyroid medication)

• Macrolide antibiotics, like azithromycin

• Tetracycline antibiotics, like doxycycline

• Theophylline (chronic cough medication)

• Fat-soluble vitamins

• Phenytoin (a seizure medication)

Share your pet’s medication list with your veterinarian before they start taking sucralfate.

What should you do if your dog misses a dose of sucralfate?

If you miss giving your dog a dose of sucralfate, give the missed dose as soon as you remember. Then, resume your dog’s prescribed dosing schedule. Do not give a double dose of sucralfate.

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Written by:

Rhiannon Koehler, DVM, MPH

Rhiannon Koehler, DVM, MPH has been involved in veterinary medicine for over a decade. Her clinical practice has mostly revolved around providing care to shelter animals, low-cost services to underprivileged families, and wellness care for pet parents.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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